“That's what I believe Soca is all about the soul of Calypso is now blessed with the spirit of God in the music so now we have Jehovah's music Jamoo that is Born Again Soca” THE CREATOR OF SOCA MUSIC. GARFIELD BLACKMAN (RAS SHORTY I)
Ras Shorty I, born Garfield Blackman, is revered as the creator of Soca music, a genre that blends the soul of Calypso with the rhythm of Indian musical elements. His visionary approach transformed Caribbean music and paved the way for a profound spiritual and environmental journey.
This blog explores Ras Shorty I’s life, particularly his later years in Piparo, where he adopted a holistic lifestyle, and draws parallels to how 4Soca Inc. is continuing his legacy by promoting “Our Born Again Soca Mixes”—which champions positivity, spirituality, and environmental stewardship.
Ras Shorty I’s Spiritual and Environmental Philosophy
Ras Shorty I’s transformation from a traditional soca artist to a spiritual sage highlights a deep-seated belief in God’s redemptive and guiding power.
His words, “I trust in the Lord Jesus Christ...I've committed my life and the life of my wife and children into his hands,”2 encapsulate his spiritual journey. This faith was not just confined to his music but was a lived experience, as evidenced by his move to Piparo.
There, Ras Shorty I lived off the land, embracing a sustainable lifestyle that was in harmony with his spiritual beliefs. He saw this as a divine direction for Soca music, guiding it towards themes of family, faith, and environmental consciousness.
Shaping a New Season 4 Soca.
4Soca Inc. is creating a platform that allows all Soca artists, regardless of their current level of recognition, to confidently contribute to the upliftment of humanity with their music.
This platform, integral to the Born Again Soca movement, provides a space where artists can publish songs filled with hope, love, and if they choose, messages about their faith. By offering an alternative to the often sexualized content demanded during Carnival, 4Soca ensures that artists can express themselves in ways that resonate with their spiritual and ethical convictions without compromising their public image.
This approach not only showcases the diversity and depth of Soca music but also aligns it with global movements for sustainable development, emphasizing its potential as a force for positive change.
Biblical Foundations and Alignment with UN SDGs
The biblical foundation of 4Soca Inc.’s philosophy is deeply intertwined with the principles of stewardship found in the scriptures, which advocate for caring for the Earth as a sacred duty.
This spiritual mandate complements the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly those focusing on responsible consumption and production, life on land, and climate action. By promoting music that encourages environmental responsibility and social justice, 4Soca Inc. is placing these global objectives at the heart of its mission.
Continuing the Legacy of Ras Shorty I
Ras Shorty I once shared his profound understanding of his mission in music and life, stating: "God has put me in a place where I can show people where Soca ought to have gone."3 This powerful declaration captures the essence of what he believed his life's work was about—guiding Soca music towards a more enriching and spiritually fulfilling path.
At 4Soca Inc., we hold Ras Shorty I's vision at the core of this particular initiative. By launching the Born Again Mixes, we strive to honour his legacy and deepen the genre's connection to themes of faith, hope, and unity. These mixes are not just music; they are a tribute to his life's work, encapsulating the spiritual depth and positive energy he envisioned for Soca music.
Through these efforts, we underscore our commitment to carving out a niche within the Soca genre that emphasizes the power of positivity and the capacity to change lives, closely aligning with Ras Shorty I's original aspirations.
As we continue to promote and expand upon Ras Shorty I's groundbreaking work, we invite everyone to experience the uplifting power of Our Born Again Soca Mixes. Join us in this musical revival that celebrates not only the joyous beats of the Caribbean but also the profound messages that can inspire and unite us all.
Commitment to Transparency and Sustainability
At 4Soca Inc., we firmly believe in the principles of transparency, sustainability, and equitable compensation for artists. Our commitment is not just to the music but also to the people behind it—ensuring that every artist featured on our platforms is fairly compensated for their contributions.
Licensing and Supporting Local and International Artists
We are currently in the process of obtaining a license for our website through SOCAN in Toronto. This step is crucial as it allows us to support both local and international artists within the Soca genre.
We are excited about our upcoming official launch and will share the date soon.
Our Rezonate show on CKHC 96.9 FM Toronto has already begun to make strides in this direction, featuring a green energy music chart exclusively with Canadian artists such as Miguel Maestre and JMThaEagle.
Promoting Canadian Talent
Our vision extends to increasing the visibility of Canadian artists, emphasizing the importance of having their music registered. We encourage up-and-coming artists to affiliate with a performance rights organization, ensuring they receive the royalties and recognition they deserve. At 4Soca Inc., we are dedicated to providing a robust platform where artists can showcase their talents and be assured of receiving due compensation.
A Family-Friendly Platform for Positive Content
4Soca Inc. is committed to maintaining a family-friendly environment. Our content is carefully curated to promote positive messages, including themes of love, romance, and faith.
We aim to create a space where artists can freely express their spiritual beliefs, including singing about their faith, without concern.
Supporting Positive Music in Non-Traditional Settings
Traditionally, artists who choose to release songs with positive messages may face challenges in finding supportive platforms, especially in the Soca music scene. However, 4Soca Inc. invites all artists to bring their positive and uplifting tracks to our platform, regardless of their usual reception in other settings.
We provide a welcoming space for those inspired to sing about positivity, hope, and faith, including those who wish to sing about their spiritual journeys.
Through these initiatives, 4Soca Inc. is not just supporting the growth of Soca music but also fostering an ecosystem that values the artists, the community, and the planet.
We are committed to holding the pillars of sustainability—people, planet, and profits—in every aspect of our operations, ensuring a positive impact that resonates beyond the music industry.
Conclusion
Ras Shorty I’s legacy is more than just musical; it’s a blueprint for how art can intersect with faith and environmentalism to foster a better world.
As 4Soca Inc. champions this “New Season 4Soca” we are not only honouring a musical pioneer but also crafting a legacy that could inspire generations to come.
Our Born Again Soca Mixes are not just a reflection of the genre; it’s a movement, one that harmonizes the joy of music with the serious commitment to our planet and our spiritual well-being.
1 Quote from Ras Shorty I: “That's what I believe Soca is all about the soul of Calypso is now blessed with the spirit of God in the music so now we have Jehovah's music Jamoo that is Born Again Soca” sourced from G.B.T.V. CultureShare Archives 1995: Ras Shorty I "Interview" Segment 1 of 2, February 27, 1995 - Interview with Harold Pysadee at the Home of Ras Shorty I & Family, Piparo, Trinidad, West Indies.
2 Quote from Ras Shorty I: “I trust in the Lord Jesus Christ...I've committed my life and the life of my wife and children into his hands,” sourced from G.B.T.V. CultureShare Archives 1995: Ras Shorty I "Interview" Segment 1 of 2, February 27, 1995 - Interview with Harold Pysadee at the Home of Ras Shorty I & Family, Piparo, Trinidad, West Indies.
3 Quote from Ras Shorty I: "God has put me in a place where I can show people where Soca ought to have gone." sourced from G.B.T.V. CultureShare Archives 1995: Ras Shorty I "Interview" Segment 1 of 2, February 27, 1995 - Interview with Harold Pysadee at the Home of Ras Shorty I & Family, Piparo, Trinidad, West Indies.
“I have the opportunity to contribute to advancing my culture and improving mankind by educating communities about sustainability through my media efforts.”
Noel Marcial Founder/CEO 4Soca. Sustainable Objectives 4Community Advancement Inc.
Creator/Host of the Sustainability Green Media Radio Show "REZONATE" on CKHC 96.9 FM Toronto.
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